Overview
Day by day
Price
The 6-Day Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers spectacular landscapes, diverse vegetation zones, and excellent views of Kibo Peak.
The trek begins through the lush rainforest before ascending through the moorland and alpine desert zones toward the summit. The route includes the famous Barranco Wall and follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle to support acclimatization.
The summit attempt begins around midnight from Barafu Camp, leading to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After reaching the summit, you descend through the mountain's southern slopes to complete your adventure at Mweka Gate.
- You visit
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)(Start) Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)(End)
- Highlights
- Mountain climbing
- Vehicle used
Day 1: Machame Gate – Machame Camp
After breakfast, you will drive to Machame Gate for registration and permit formalities. Once ready, the trek begins through the lush rainforest.
The trail gradually ascends through dense vegetation, with opportunities to see monkeys and colorful birdlife. You will continue at a steady pace until reaching Machame Camp, where you will have dinner and spend the night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Machame camp
Day 2: Machame Camp – Shira Camp
After breakfast, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The trail becomes steeper as you climb toward the spectacular Shira Plateau.
You will enjoy beautiful views of Mount Meru and, weather permitting, your first impressive views of Kibo Peak. The shorter hiking distance allows time for your body to begin adapting to the altitude.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shira camp
Day 3: Shira Camp – Lava Tower – Barranco Camp
Today is an important acclimatization day. You will trek from Shira toward Lava Tower, reaching approximately 4,630 m before descending to Barranco Camp.
This “climb high, sleep low” approach helps your body adjust to the increasing altitude. Along the way, you will experience dramatic volcanic landscapes and spectacular views of the Western Breach and Kibo Peak.
After descending into the Barranco Valley, you will arrive at camp beneath the impressive Barranco Wall.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barranco camp
Day 4: Barranco Camp – Karanga Camp – Barafu Camp
After breakfast, you begin the day by climbing the famous Barranco Wall. With the assistance of your experienced guides, you will navigate the rocky sections before continuing across a series of ridges and valleys.
You will pass through Karanga Camp before continuing toward Barafu Camp, the final base camp for your summit attempt.
At Barafu, you will receive a summit briefing, have an early dinner and prepare your equipment. Try to rest as much as possible because the summit climb begins around midnight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Barafu camp
Day 5: Barafu Camp – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Camp
You will wake around midnight and begin the most demanding part of the climb. The trail leads slowly upward through the darkness toward Stella Point (5,739 m) on the crater rim.
From Stella Point, you continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 m.
After reaching the summit, you will have time to celebrate, take photographs and enjoy the incredible views, weather and conditions permitting.
You will then descend toward Barafu for a short rest before continuing down to Mweka Camp, where you will spend the night.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mweka camp
Day 6: Mweka Camp – Mweka Gate – Arusha
After breakfast, you begin your final descent through the beautiful rainforest toward Mweka Gate.
At the gate, you will complete the park exit procedures and receive your Kilimanjaro summit certificate. You will then meet your transfer vehicle and drive back to Arusha or your chosen onward destination.
Breakfast
Accommodation not included
